Eagle Scout Rank - Alternate Requirements

The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer or Sea Scout who has a physical or mental disability by completing the Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges, No. 512-730, and by qualifying for alternative merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges as described. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated. See the Guide To Advancement, topic 10.2.2.3, for details.

The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than of a temporary nature (or a disability expected to last more than two years or beyond the 18th birthday). The application must include a written statement from a qualified health-care professional related to the nature of the disability. This person may be a physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., or an educational administrator as appropriate.

Before applying, he must earn as many of the Eagle-required merit badges as possible. Any alternatives must present the same challenge and learning level as those they replace. Unless the Scout has been approved for registration beyond the age of eligibility, all merit badges must be completed by the 18th birthday (reference Guide To Advancement, topic 10.1.0.1–10.1.0.2).

Obtain a clear and concise statement related to the nature of the disability from a qualified health-care professional.

The unit leader meets with the candidate and his parent or guardian to determine the alternative merit badges to replace those impeding his progression.

The unit leader, parent or guardian, and the Scout (if possible) prepare supporting letters to accompany the application.

The district and council advancement committees, in turn, review the proposed alternative merit badges. They may choose to speak with the Scout, his parent or guardian, or unit leader. If the council advancement committee approves, then the candidate may start work on the merit badges.Note: In approving the application, the district and council advancement committees must utilize the expertise of a health-care professional involved with youth who have disabilities.

Upon completion of the Eagle Scout rank requirements, using the alternative merit badges, the candidate appears before a board of review. This approved application must be attached to the Eagle Scout Rank Application.

Following a successful board of review, the council processes both applications and forwards them to the national Advancement Team. Local council action on alternative merit badges does not require national approval.

In order for a Venturer or Sea Scout to be an Eagle candidate, he must have achieved the First Class rank as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout.

1. 1. The Eagle Scout rank may be achieved by a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or qualified* Venturer who has a physical or mental disability by qualifying for alternate merit badges. This does not apply to individual requirements for merit badges. Merit badges are awarded only when all requirements are met as stated.

2. The physical or mental disability must be of a permanent rather than a temporary nature.

3. A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout’s disabilities must be made by a physician licensed to practice medicine, or an evaluation statement must be certified by an educational administrator.

4. The candidate must earn as many of the required merit badges as his ability permits before applying for an alternate Eagle Scout rank merit badge.

5. The Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges must be completed prior to qualifying for alternate merit badges.

6. The alternate merit badges chosen must be of such a nature that they are as demanding of effort as the required merit badges.

7. When alternates chosen involve physical activity, they must be approved by the physician.

8. The unit leader and the board of review must explain that to attain the Eagle Scout rank, a candidate is expected to do his best in developing himself to the limit of his resources.

9. The application must be approved by the council committee responsible for advancement, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouting for people with special needs.

10. The candidate’s application for Eagle must be made on the Eagle Scout Rank Application, with the Application for Alternate Eagle Scout Award Merit Badges attached.